About Life in Japan

"Undokai" is a school sports event held at elementary and junior high schools in Japan. Students are divided into classes and grades and participate in events such as relay races, ball throwing, and dancing, learning the importance of cooperation and effort. Parents and local residents often join in, and it is a festival-like event that gets the whole school excited.

May is the season of fresh, greenery. In Japan, there are many "seasonal foods" that are in season from spring to early summer. "Season" refers to the time when a food is at its most delicious and can be harvested in the greatest quantity. In Japan, there is a culture that places special importance on "flavors that can only be eaten in a certain season." Today, we will introduce some of Japan's "seasonal flavors of May."

In Japan, May 5th is "Children's Day," a holiday to celebrate the growth and health of children. In the past, "Children's Day" was called "Tango no Sekku" and was a celebration for boys. But now it has become a day for all children. On this day, families decorate and eat special foods to pray for the happiness and healthy growth of their children.

Do you know how Japanese tea is made? In fact, spring is the season when tea making begins. In particular, from late April to early May, the freshest tea of the year, known as "shincha," is picked. Today, we will introduce you to one of Japan's traditional spring events, the "tea picking experience." [What is tea picking?] "Tea

In Japan, April is considered the "month of new starts." The fiscal year for schools and companies begins in April. This custom may be a little surprising for foreigners living in Japan. In this article, we will introduce Japan's "new life" and "entrance ceremonies." [Why does Japan start in April?] In Japan, the new school and company fiscal year begins on April 1st.

The spring season, when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, is a special season for Japanese people. It is also a beautiful culture unique to Japan that makes foreigners want to experience it at least once. This time, we will tell you all about the charms of cherry blossoms and cherry blossom viewing culture! [The deep relationship between Japanese people and cherry blossoms] Japan has four seasons, but spring is an especially special season. Cherry blossoms have long been a symbol of "new life."

In Japan, the change of seasons is very important. Among them, "Shunbun no Hi" is a special holiday that allows people to feel the arrival of spring. In this article, we will introduce the meaning of the vernal equinox and Japanese customs unique to spring. If you want to know more about Japanese culture, please read to the end! [What is the vernal equinox?] The vernal equinox is celebrated every

Do you know about "White Day"? Valentine's Day is known all over the world, but White Day is a uniquely Japanese culture! "Why do we have White Day?" "What should I give?" For foreigners who have such questions, and for Japanese people who want to know more, this time we will introduce the meaning of White Day and interesting cultural differences.

In Japan, graduation ceremonies are held in schools all over the country in March. When people hear the word "graduation," many of them remember... the teacher's tearful speech! The last photo with classmates! The thrilling moment over the second button of the uniform! However, in fact, there are many unique customs and moving moments in Japanese graduation culture that surprise people overseas.

Recently, the Japanese language school Clover Academy in Yotsubashi, Osaka, held a speech contest and cultural festival. One student each from the beginner-intermediate course and the intermediate-advanced course participated in the speech contest, and the students demonstrated the results of their daily studies and delivered speeches with confidence and dignity.